DOVER, NH – Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has debuted New Hampshire’s first patient driving simulator, providing patients a first-of-its-kind opportunity to test whether they are physically able to get back behind the wheel.

The STISIM Drive simulator will allow up to 1,000 patients annually, who have experienced a physical or neurological injury, the ability to test and re-learn driving skills in an immersive simulated environment. The simulator detects a person’s driving capability using virtual reality and more than 100 different real-world driving scenarios.

The new simulator is just the second of its kind in New England and the only driving simulator in the region north of Rhode Island. The state-of-the-art system will be added to the hospital’s suite of rehabilitation services, allowing occupational therapists to safely assess and re-train patients of all ages.

“Bringing this technology to the Seacoast, and the state, is an absolute game-changer for so many of our patients,” said Kendra Langus, senior director of rehab services and integrative therapies. “After an accident, or due to a physical disability, many patients and their loved ones question whether they can still drive. Prior to today, there was no similar program available in New Hampshire for patients who needed to determine whether they could still drive. This technology will give many of them the answers they need, while making our roads safer for all of us.”

In the past, the only way for patients to determine readiness to continue driving was an often-impractical road test that could place both the patient and the public at risk. The simulator eliminates those risks, while providing real-time data that detects impairments such as attention deficits, visual field losses, and delayed reaction times.

The simulator, which will be used to evaluate as many as six patients per day, will assist those battling with a wide variety of physical and mental challenges including concussions, multiple sclerosis, cognitive decline, and those recovering from surgery. Driver data will be stored in the patient’s individual electronic medical record, informing providers as they develop the patient’s rehabilitation plan.

Financial support for the simulator and training for the hospital’s therapists, which cost more than $86,000, was raised by the Wentworth-Douglass Foundation. Major donors to the project included the WDH Auxiliary and attendees of the Seacoast Culinary Challenge, held last spring. 

“I am so incredibly thankful to all of the donors who stepped up to make this happen,” said Cristine More, vice president for philanthropy. “The ability to drive is crucial in maintaining an independent lifestyle, particularly in the Southern Maine/New Hampshire Seacoast region, which lacks robust public transportation. I can’t tell you how many people have approached us and said this technology could have really benefitted a loved one and now it’s a reality."

MVSB (Meredith Village Savings Bank) was honored as the 2023 Business of the Year by the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce during Wednesday’s Sunset Wine & Dine Annual Awards Celebration held at The Oaks in Somersworth.

The Business of the Year award recognizes a chamber member business that has demonstrated excellence in their business and has made substantial contributions to its industry and to the Rochester area.

“MVSB has gone above and beyond supporting our local nonprofits, businesses and community development projects and we are proud to present them with this award,” said Laura Ring, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President & CEO. “Members of the team at our local branch have become very involved in the community and are wonderful to work with. We had a lot of great business nominations this year and we thank them all for their valuable contributions to the greater Rochester area.” 

“We are honored to receive this recognition and we would like to thank everyone for their support,” said Marcus Weeks, MVSB President. “We have been welcomed with opened arms to the area and it is our pleasure to be able to give back and be of service. I would also like to thank and congratulate our amazing Rochester team, as it is the work they do every day that is being recognized with this award.”

MVSB’s Rochester office opened in June 2022 at 21 Farmington Road (Route 11). The full-service location offers modern banking services, exceptional customer service and convenience for those local to the Rochester area as well as those that might travel to and from the seacoast or lakes regions.

The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is an active, nonprofit business membership organization comprised of businesses and professionals who are dedicated to fostering a favorable economic climate in which to live and work. Members provide financial, in-kind and volunteer resources to the business community. They provide services businesses throughout northern Strafford County including Rochester, Barrington, Farmington, Middleton, Milton, Milton Mills, New Durham, Strafford as well as Lebanon, Maine. Learn more at rochesternh.org.

MVSB has been serving the essential banking needs of people, businesses, nonprofits and municipalities for over 150 years. As a mutual savings bank, MVSB has no stock-holders but rather operates for the benefit of its customers, employees and community. Since our founding, one thing has always remained true: caring is at the heart of everything we do. By building and nurturing relationships, we believe that we can cultivate a community where we all thrive. It all starts with caring about our customers and neighbors. To learn more, visit any of the local branch offices located in New Hampshire in Alton, Ashland, Center Harbor, Gilford, Laconia, Melvin Village, Meredith, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Rochester or Wolfeboro, call 800.922.6872 or visit mvsb.com.

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DOVER, N.H. – For the second straight year, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has awarded a $10,000 community benefit grant to the Alliance for Community Transportation (ACT), a group that provides community transportation, largely for seniors and adults with disabilities, in Southeastern New Hampshire. Wentworth-Douglass awarded the same grant in 2022, which allows ACT to access an additional $40,000 in federal funds.

“We know firsthand what a meaningful impact ACT’s programs had last year – and every year – on the health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Michelle Hanson, director of strategic planning and community benefit at Wentworth-Douglass. “Our contribution, paired with the acquisition of federal dollars, will help ACT remove transportation and coordination barriers for so many of our neighbors.”

ACT’s lead agency and fiscal sponsor is the Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST), but its work is primarily funded by Federal Transit Administration funds that are passed through the NH Department of Transportation. ACT must provide non-USDOT funding to leverage the $40,000 in federal money.

“I’m grateful once again to Wentworth-Douglass for funding this life-sustaining service throughout our region,” said Jeff Donald, regional mobility manager for ACT and TripLink, a regional transportation call center. “We booked more than 30,600 trips last year for 740 people, and we’re on track for 35,000 trips this year, so we’re confident our ridership will return to pre-pandemic levels.”

TripLink operated continuously throughout the pandemic, ensuring that the region’s most vulnerable residents continued to have access to medical care, grocery shopping, and other transportation needs. One of ACT’s goals is to return ridership to pre-pandemic levels, which would equal 40,000 annual trips scheduled through TripLink. The organization has already smashed its goal of enrolling 25% of clients for more than one service by the end of the year. As of February, 59% are registered for multiple services.

“Our aging population creates an increased need for transportation, allowing seniors to receive regular medical care and “age in place,” said Donald, “Aging in place not only allows seniors the ability to continue to participate in their communities, but it’s also more cost-effective for tax-payers than institutional housing.”

Wentworth-Douglass conducts a Community Health Needs Assessment every three years to identify where the hospital should focus its programs and services to improve the overall health of the individuals and families it serves. The funds donated are approved by the hospital’s Community Benefit Funding Disbursement Committee and are not raised through any public or private donations.

 From left to right: TripLink Supervisor, Crystal Dumont; Wentworth-Douglass Director of Strategic Planning & Community Benefit, Michelle Hanson, RN, MSN; Alliance for Community Transportation & TripLink Regional Mobility Manager, Jeff Donald; and Reservationist, Staci DeRaps.

About Wentworth-Douglass Hospital

Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (wdhospital.org) is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit, charitable health care organization located in Dover, New Hampshire with a more than 115-year history of compassionate care and innovation. A member of the Mass General Brigham system, Wentworth-Douglass is strategically located in the heart of the Seacoast region of New Hampshire and Southern Maine, which it has served since 1906. The organization is a family of more than 3,500 employees, including more than 400 physicians and advanced practice providers dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of the region’s residents and visitors. The organization includes a 178-bed hospital, more than 30 primary and specialty provider practices and clinic sites, multiple express and prompt care facilities, an ambulatory surgery center, several medical office buildings, The Works Family Health and Fitness Center, and the Wentworth-Douglass Charitable Foundation.

Children’s Museum of New Hampshire
Contact: Neva Cole, Communications Director
6 Washington Street
Dover, NH 03820
(603) 742-2002
www.childrens-museum.org

Military Families Play for Free All Summer at Children’s Museum

(Dover, NH – May 18, 2023) – Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20 is the start of the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s Military Appreciation Summer, during which all current and retired military personnel and their immediate family members are invited to play at no cost, thanks to a generous sponsorship from Service Credit Union. From now through Sunday, September 3rd, 2023, guests can reserve their spots online for free, and then simply show a military ID at the front desk of the museum to receive free admission for the military member, dependent children and spouse. 

"We are excited to once again sponsor the Military Appreciation Program at the museum” said Jaime Yates, Community Relations Manager at Service CU. “Giving back to the communities we serve is ingrained in our mission, especially when it comes to providing low cost or free activities for our military and their families.”

The museum’s summer Military Appreciation Program is exclusively sponsored by Service Credit Union and is part of the larger nationwide Blue Star Museum program. The Blue Star Museum program is a collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the Department of Defense. Children’s Museums, art, science, and history museums, zoos, gardens, lighthouses, and more from all 50 states, District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands offer free admission to the nation’s active duty military personnel, including National Guard and Reserve and their families from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day. Find the list of participating museums at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

“We thank the 2023 Blue Star Museums who invite military personnel and their families to experience the many wonders they have to offer, whether it’s a glimpse into the past, an encounter with awe-inspiring art, or a moment of discovery,” said Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD, chair of the National Endowment for the Arts. “The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is helping to enrich the lives of military families and build meaningful connections between our nation’s military and their local community.”

The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire has expanded what is offered through the Blue Star Museum program to also include free admission to retired military personnel and their family members. “We are so grateful that Service Credit Union has agreed to help us sponsor this vital addition to our Military Appreciation summer program in 2023,” said Jane Bard, Museum President.

The summer free admission program at the Children’s Museum of NH is available to active duty and retired U.S. military - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps - and up to five family members.

The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire extends a fifty-percent-off discount to military personnel and their families during the rest of the year thanks to additional sponsorship support, including from M&T Bank.

The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s hours are Wednesdays – Saturdays, 9am-Noon or 1-4pm; Tuesdays and Sundays, 9am-Noon. Summer hours begin Tuesday, June 20 and add a Tuesday afternoon (1-4pm) play session to the existing hours. The museum is closed on Mondays. Online reservations prior to visiting are required. To learn more, visit www.childrens-museum.org. 

About the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire

The 501(c)(3) not-for-profit Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is located at 6 Washington Street in Dover and offers two levels of hands-on, interactive exhibits for children from newborn to middle school. Children can explore a wide range of subjects, from dinosaurs, music and aeronautics to world cultures, art, natural history, and S.T.E.A.M.. Open year-round, the Silver LEED-certified museum specializes in creating memorable family learning experiences and works closely with schools, social service agencies, and educators. A central part of the museum’s mission is ensuring accessibility, and the “Reach All Initiative” works towards this goal by welcoming over 28% of yearly visitors for free or reduced admission. The museum also hosts a variety of live performances, workshops, classes and special events for families. For more information, please email the museum at questions@childrens-museum.org or visit www.childrens-museum.org

About the National Endowment for the Arts

Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is the independent federal agency whose funding and support gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities. Through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, the Arts Endowment supports arts learning, affirms and celebrates America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and extends its work to promote equal access to the arts in every community across America. To learn more, visit arts.gov or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

About Blue Star Families
BlueStar Families (BSF)is the nation’s largest chapter-based military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach fosters strong communities with a focus on human centered design and innovative solutions. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered millions of dollars in benefits and impacted more than 1.5 million people each year. For more information,click here and follow along with Blue Star Families on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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MVSB (Meredith Village Savings Bank) is proud to continue its support of the Monarch School of New England with a $5,000 sponsorship for the Horticultural Therapy and Gardening Program. This program provides unique opportunities for students to learn, grow and reach their full potential in a nature-based setting.  

“Kathy Perry, our full-time registered horticultural therapist, offers individual and small group therapy catered to each student’s goals using gardening activities,” said Diane Bessey, Monarch School of New England Executive Director. “We are thankful for support from community partners like MVSB, which allow us to continue and grow these therapeutic and educational programs that help our students learn in a variety of ways.” 

“Serving on the Monarch School of New England’s Board, I’ve been fortunate to see first-hand the many educational opportunitiesand experiences this program brings students – from growing and nurturing plants to cooking and creating art,” said Jolene Whitehead, MVSB Branch & Business Development Manager in Rochester. “We are extremely proud to show our support for the program with this contribution.” 

The Monarch School of New England is based in Rochester and supports students with special needs from more than 30 school districts across New Hampshire and Southern Maine. Their comprehensively trained staff members work one-on-one with each individual, uniquely integrating both education and therapy to ensure successful transitions to school and the community. Go to monarchschoolne.org to learn more.  

MVSB has been serving the essential banking needs of people, businesses, nonprofits and municipalities for over 150 years. As a mutual savings bank, MVSB has no stock-holders but rather operates for the benefit of its customers, employees and community. Since our founding, one thing has always remained true: caring is at the heart of everything we do. By building and nurturing relationships, we believe that we can cultivate a community where we all thrive. It all starts with caring about our customers and neighbors. To learn more, visit any of the local branch offices located in New Hampshire in Alton, Ashland, Center Harbor, Gilford, Laconia, Melvin Village, Meredith, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Rochester or Wolfeboro, call 800.922.6872 or visit mvsb.com.  

From left, Melissa Clark, MVSB Branch Services Supervisor, stands with Jim Carrigan, MVSB Regional Vice President, Diane Bessey, Monarch School of New England Executive Director, Kathy Perry, Horticultural Therapist, and Jolene Whitehead, MVSB Branch & Business Development Manager. Courtesy Photo 

Spinners and knitters are invited to spend a day learning about all things wool from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday, May 20. In cooperation with the SouthEast New Hampshire Spinners Guild, Rollinsford’s Colonel Paul Wentworth House will host Wool Day, a free education day on spinning and knitting with raw native wool.

Throughout the day, experts will present talks and demonstrations on choosing, skirting and scouring a fleece; spinning and knitting in the grease; using hand cards and combs; and knitting a Shetland hat. Vendors will have a variety of goods for sale, including wool processing products and equipment, raw fleeces (including Blacknose Valais, Shetland, and Cheviot fleeces), and spindle spinning kits. Visitors can try their hand at spindle spinning, enjoy other wool-related activities, and take a tour of the circa 1701 Wentworth House. For more specific information about the day’s schedule, send an email to ocskolnick@gmail.com.

Located on Water Street in Rollinsford, the circa 1701 Wentworth House is maintained by the Association for Rollinsford Culture and History (ARCH) as an educational and cultural center for the community. For more information about programs at the Wentworth House, consult the ARCH website at www.paulwentworthhouse.org.

Somersworth, NH - The Somersworth School District's composting program has been making strides since 2016, when a group of sixth-grade science students at Somersworth Middle School discovered that composting was the best way to reduce waste. Since then, the program has grown to include composting contracts at both Somersworth Middle School and Maple Wood Elementary School.

The program has been funded in part by the NH Farm to School fund, which has also supported the development of school gardens, improved local food access, and increased sustainability efforts. To keep the program moving forward, the district has received two USDA Farm to School grants totaling nearly $150,000.

However, the program is seeking additional funding to expand its composting efforts and continue to promote sustainability within the Somersworth community. The program currently contracts with Mr. Fox Composting of York, ME, the only compost contractor that serves the Rockingham/ Strafford Co. area, to provide composting services to the schools and the community.

The Somersworth School District composting program has already made a significant impact on the community by reducing waste and promoting sustainability. With additional funding, the program hopes to expand its efforts and continue to make a difference in the lives of students and the community.

Anyone interested in donating to the compost programs, and being one of the community partners, please contact:

Wendy Berkeley

Somersworth Farm to School Coordinator

wberkeley@sau56.org

MVSB (Meredith Village Savings Bank) is proud to once again support Humble Grunt Work and their capital campaign to build a new Meredith Veterans Memorial. MVSB made an initial $25,000 donation to the project in early 2022 and recently matched that for a total of $50,000.

The monument will be situated on the front lawn of the recently renovated Meredith Public Library and will feature the names of all Meredith residents who honorably served throughout all of the nation’s conflicts since the Revolutionary War. It will be made of granite or a combination of granite/bronze with an accessible walkway, new flagpole, lighting and granite benches.

Humble Grunt Work has raised more than $160,000 of its $250,000 fundraising goal to construct the monument and plans to break ground in late spring or summer. The group is also currently collecting public input for veteran names that may qualify for the wall.

“We have received overwhelming support from the town of Meredith and the local community to build this permanent memorial that will give future generations an opportunity to honor and remember our veterans,” said James McFarlin, Meredith Veterans Memorial Capital Campaign Chair. "With the in-kind donation of the design by Norman Larson, an architect for Christopher P Williams PLLC, the memorial will enhance Meredith's Main Street and compliment the recent library renovations."

“Humble Grunt Work is an invaluable community organization and we are proud to once again support this project that honors Meredith Veterans in such a wonderful way,” said Marcus Weeks, MVSB President.

Humble Grunt Work is a local nonprofit with a mission to recognize and honor veterans through a variety of projects throughout New Hampshire. Go to humblegruntwork.org to learn more, submit a veteran name or make a donation.

 From left, Eric MacDonald, MVSB Vice President Commercial Credit Manager and US Army Veteran, presents a check to Jim McFarlin, Meredith Veterans Memorial Board Member at the Meredith Public Library. Courtesy Photo

Unlike a stock bank, MVSB is a mutual savings bank that operates for the benefit of its depositors, borrowers and surrounding communities. As a result, MVSB has remained steadfast in fostering the economic health and well-being of the community since it was founded in 1869. For over 150 years, Meredith Village Savings Bank (MVSB), has been serving the people, businesses, nonprofits and municipalities of New Hampshire. MVSB and its employees are guided by the values of accountability, mutuality, excellence, respect, integrity, teamwork and stewardship. To learn more, visit any of the local branch offices located in Alton, Ashland, Center Harbor, Gilford, Laconia, Melvin Village, Meredith, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Rochester or Wolfeboro, call 800.922.6872 or visit mvsb.com.

Rochester, NH – Cornerstone VNA, your local nonprofit home health provider, celebrated their donors, 2023 Cornerstone Awardees, and their 110-year history at a special event last month at the Rochester Performance & Arts Center (RPAC) in downtown Rochester. In addition to special donors, attendees included current and former board members as well as past staff and current members of Cornerstone VNA’s clinical leadership team. This special event was generously underwritten by Daystar, a technology management company based in Newington, NH.

In recognition of Cornerstone VNA’s milestone anniversary, photos, articles, and stories were shared to shine the spotlight on the many healthcare heroes throughout the organization’s 110-year history. A special history timeline was on display along the brick wall at RPAC; a replica of a larger timeline that will be installed at the Cornerstone VNA office next month.

In keeping with tradition, President and CEO, Julie Reynolds RN, MS, announced the recipients of their Cornerstone Award, given each year to a local business, community member, volunteer, or staff member to recognize their dedication and commitment to advancing the mission of Cornerstone VNA.

The first Cornerstone Award recipient of the night was Stella Marcotte, longtime Rochester resident and dedicated office volunteer at Cornerstone VNA. Since 1990, Stella has cheerfully worked behind the scenes to support their office staff and field staff. Stella continues to volunteer every week, and with her fast hands, she quickly completes any task she’s assigned. Upon accepting the award and expressing her gratitude, she received many smiles and words of adoration.

The second Cornerstone Award was presented to Rinda Madden of Rochester, who worked at Cornerstone VNA for many years before retiring from her position as Home Care Team Manager in 2016. Rinda first joined the rehabilitation team as a physical therapist in 1993. It was noted that over the years, Rinda experienced many transformations in home health care including mergers, technology enhancements and changes in reimbursement. Since her retirement, Rinda has remained closely connected to Cornerstone VNA. She has generously supported various initiatives and specialty programs throughout the years, and she and her husband, Dennis, are also proud members of the Norma Snow Legacy Society. The Legacy Society was established in 2016 in honor of Cornerstone VNA founder, Norma Snow, and recognizes individuals who have made a planned gift to Cornerstone VNA.

According to Erika Lee, Director of Advancement, “It was an honor to recognize Stella and Rinda, whose gift of time, talent and treasure have played such an important role in advancing the mission of Cornerstone VNA.” Lee continues, “It was particularly poignant to celebrate them in this milestone year and in the company of so many people who share a passion for our mission.”

Julie Reynolds, RN, MS, President/CEO shares, “I continue to be inspired by the dedication and support that Cornerstone VNA receives for the important work that we do each and every day. Celebrating and awarding those who make a difference is so important.” Reynolds adds, “I hope others are inspired by this spirit of giving, and think about how they can make a difference by giving back.”

Stella Marcotte  and Rinda Madden

CVNA Board Members past and present

Cornerstone VNA currently serves Rockingham, Strafford, Belknap and Carroll Counties in New Hampshire and York County in Maine. The team at Cornerstone VNA provides award-winning care and support through five distinct programs: Home Care, Hospice Care, Palliative Care, Life Care-Private Duty and Community Care. For 110 years, Cornerstone VNA has been committed to bringing services to people of all ages so that families can stay together at home, even when facing the challenges of aging, surgical recovery, chronic or life-threatening illnesses or end-of-life care. To learn more about Cornerstone VNA, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 800-691-1133.